Designer I, Power Distribution

Disaster Resource Group • Charlotte, NC

9h

About The Position

The Designer I position applies technical skills to design complex projects and provide expertise in safe, cost-effective, and reliable distribution power facilities for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. It is an entry working level in the Engineering department. Incumbents typically have 0–2 years of utility-industry experience and perform routine tasks with supervision and support from more experienced staff. The natural progression is to Designer II; advancement depends on demonstrated knowledge, skill proficiency, relevant industry experience, and supervisory evaluation, not years of service alone.

Requirements

• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field and at least 2 years of utility experience is preferred; a Bachelor of Science in Engineering qualifies with no prior experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with at least 4 years of equivalent utility experience.
• Proficiency in basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, general science, and scales of weight and measurement as applied to engineering computations and construction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
• Ability to read and understand policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions using common-sense understanding.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion with business information.
• Self-motivated, technically competent, reliable, trustworthy, and savvy.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated time-management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks constructively.
• Valid driver’s license and a vehicle suitable for business use; mileage reimbursement may apply.
• Ability to perform general office activities; regularly walk up to 2 miles per day; occasionally sit, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a climate-controlled office and outdoors in conditions that may include extreme heat, extreme cold, noise, and sun exposure.
• Use of required personal protective equipment: hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, ID card, cellular phone, EH-rated footwear with toe box OSHA ratings, PVDs, and DRG Safety Traffic Vest.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field with at least 2 years of utility experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare project and job packages, including material lists, requisitions, labor estimates, site drawings, and construction drawings for electrical facility installations, with attention to cost, safety, and service reliability.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, change orders, improvement plans, construction specifications, procedure manuals, and operational procedures.
• Perform drafting work and assist in preparing designs, plans, and reports.
• Make accurate engineering calculations.
• Collect and analyze field data and prepare accurate, detailed reports and records.
• Learn, practice, and promote all safety policies and procedures.
• Apply codes, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures to create safe and cost-effective designs for moderately complex overhead and underground projects.
• Use design software and work management tools.
• Evaluate distribution equipment, including transformers and fusing.
• Follow utility construction practices on public rights of way and private land.
• Regularly communicate job status to help meet client expectations and deliverable dates.
• Coordinate with construction personnel and clients to resolve project issues.
• Develop relationships with internal and external customers and represent the company and client professionally while supporting their business goals and expectations.
• Maintain organized files and records.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Participate in storm restoration activities as a Driver, Wire Guard, or Assessor when needed.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k).
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off that may be used for vacation, sick leave, family medical leave, personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, military leave, voting, or other purposes.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
• Group critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage.
• Pet insurance.
• Company discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree